Cannabis plant named ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a new and distinct  cannabis  cultivar designated as ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’. Disclosed herein are main terpenes of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH,’ which are limonene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, alpha-humulene, alpha-bisabolol, and beta-pinene. Also, the present invention provides the estimated concentration of the THC max , CBD max , and CBG max , about 4.94-8.64%, about 12.04-17.74%, and about 0.59-1.01%, respectively, at the time of assaying metabolites from flower samples of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’.

Latin name of genus and species: Cannabis hybrid.

Variety denomination: ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cannabis cultivar designated as ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ (aka ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH/GREEN PUNCH’).

This new cultivar is the result of controlled-crosses between proprietary cultivars made by the inventors. The new cultivar of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ was asexually reproduced via a stem ‘cutting’ and ‘cloning’ method by the inventors at Salinas, Calif. Asexual clones from the original source have been tested in greenhouses, nurseries, and/or fields. The properties of each cultivar were found to be transmissible by such asexual reproduction. The cultivar is stable and reproduces true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.

TAXONOMY AND NOMENCLATURE

Cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana, is a genus of flowering plants that includes at least three species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis as determined by plant phenotypes and secondary metabolite profiles. In practice however, cannabis nomenclature is often used incorrectly or interchangeably. Cannabis literature can be found referring to all cannabis varieties as “sativas” or all cannabinoid producing plants as “indicas”. Indeed the promiscuous crosses of indoor cannabis breeding programs have made it difficult to distinguish varieties, with most cannabis being sold in the United States having features of both sativa and indica species.

Human cultivation history of Cannabis dates back 8000 years (Schultes, R E., 1970, Random thoughts and queries on the botany of Cannabis. Pages 11-38 in: CRB Joyce, and S H Curry eds., THE BOTANY AND CHEMISTRY OF CANNABIS. J. & A. Churchill. London, England). Hemp cloth recovered in Europe dates back 6000 years (Small, E, Beckstead, H D, and Chan, A, 1975, The evolution of cannabinoid phenotypes in Cannabis, ECONOMIC BOTANY 29(3):219-232). The written record of the pharmacologic properties of Cannabis goes back more than 4000 years (Ti, H. 2737 BC. NEI JING SU WEN HUANG TI, Yellow Emperor's Classic on Internal Medicine; referred to without citation in Small et al. 1975 Supra).

The taxonomy and nomenclature of the highly variable genus Cannabis (Emboden, W A, 1974, ECONOMIC BOTANY 28(3):304-310; Small, E and Cronquist, A, 1976, TAXON 25(4):405-435; Small E and Cronquist, A, 1977, TAXON 26(1):110; Hillig, K W and Mahlberg, P G, 2004, American Journal of Botany 91(6):966-975), remains in question. This is in spite of the fact that its formal scientific name, ‘Cannabis sativa L.’, assigned by Carolus Linneaus (Linnaeus, C, 1753, SPECIES PLANTARUM, 2:1027, Salvius, Stockholm, Facsimile edition, 1957-1959, Ray Society, London, U.K.), is one of the oldest established names in botanical history and is still accepted to this day. Another species in the genus, ‘Cannabis indica Lam.’ was formally named somewhat later (de Lamarck, J B, 1785, ENCYCLOPEDIE METHODIQUE DE BOTANIQUE, 1(2):694-695), but is still very old in botanical history. In 1785, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck published a description of a second species of Cannabis, which he named Cannabis indica. Lamarck based his description of the newly named species on plant specimens collected in India. C. indica was described as relatively short, conical, and densely branched, whereas C. sativa was described as tall and laxly branched (Schultes R. E. et al, 1974, Harvard University Botanical Museum Leaflets, 23:337-367). C. indica plants were also described as having short, broad leaflets whereas those of C. sativa were characterized as relatively long and narrow (Anderson L. C., 1980, Harvard University Botanical Museum Leaflets, 28: 61-69). C. indica plants conforming to Schultes' and Anderson's descriptions may have originated from the Hindu Kush mountain range. Because of the often harsh and variable (extremely cold winters, and warm summers) climate of those parts, C. indica is well-suited for cultivation in temperate climates.

Three other species names were proposed in the 1800s to distinguish plants with presumably different characteristics (C. macrosperma Stokes, C. chinensis Delile, C. gigantean Vilmorin), none of which are accepted today, although the epithet “indica” lives on as a subspecies of C. sativa (‘C. sativa ssp. indica Lam.’, Small and Cronquist 1976 Supra).

In the 20th century, two new names were added to the liturgy of proposed ‘Cannabis species: C. ruderalis’ Janischevsky and a hybrid, x‘C. intersita’ Sojak. (Small, E, Jui, P Y, and Lefkovitch, L P, 1976, SYSTEMATIC BOTANY 1(1):67-84; Small and Cronquist 1976 Supra). Further, numerous names have been proposed for horticultural variants of ‘Cannabis’ but as of 1976, “very few of these have been validly published as formal taxa under the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature” (Small and Cronquist 1976 Supra). Moreover, other recent work continues to focus on higher-order evolutionary relationships of the genus. Cannabis has been variously ascribed as belonging to mulberry family (Moraceae) (Engler, H G A, Ulmaceae, Moraceae and Urticaceae, pages 59-118 in: A. Engler and K. Prantl eds., 1889, DIE NATURLICHEN PFLANZENFAMILIEN 3(1). W. Engelmann, Leipzig, Germany; Judd, W S, Sanders, R W, and Donoghue, M J, 1994, HARVARD PAPERS IN BOTANY 5:1-51; Humphries, C J and Blackmore, S, A review of the classification of the Moraceae, pages 267-277 In: Crane and Blackmore 1989 id.); nettle family (Urticaceae) (Berg, C C, Systematics and phylogeny of the Urticales, pages 193-220, in: P. R. Crane and S. Blackmore eds., 1989, EVOLUTION, SYSTEMATIC, AND FOSSIL HISTORY OF THE HAMAMELIDAE, VOL. 2, HIGHER HAMAMELIDAE, Clarendon Press, Oxford, U.K.); and most recently in its own family with hops (Humulus), Cannabaceae, or hemp family (Sytsma, K J, et al, 2002, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 89(9):1531-1546). While the work of Small and Cronquist 1976 Supra, seemed to effectively confine the genus to a single species with 2 subspecies (C. sativa s., C. s. indica), each with two varieties (C. s. s. var. sativa, C. s. s. var. spontanea; C. s. i. var. indica, C. s. i. var. Kafiristanica) largely on the basis of chemotaxonomy and interfertility of all forms, more recent work (Sytsma et al. 2002 Supra), proposes a two-species concept, resurrecting the binomial C. indica Lam. Since Sytsma et al. (2002) provides no key for discriminating between the species, the dichotomous key of Small and Cronquist (1976), which accounts for all forms in nature, whether wild or domesticated, is preferred to classify the characteristics of the plants.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a new and distinctive cannabis cultivar designated as ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ (aka and synonymous with the alternative spelling ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH/GREEN PUNCH’, as disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/596,561).

The objective of the breeding program which produced novel plants disclosed herein was primarily to develop a cannabis cultivar with its unique blend of various cannabinoids and/or terpenes for (a) medicinal effects such as improving appetite and reducing nausea, vomiting and/or chronic pain, as well as neurological and cardiovascular effects, (b) psychoactive effects such as increased motivation and energetic behavior rather than indifference, passiveness and lethargy, and (c) recreational effects with enhanced enjoyment such as food and aroma.

As used herein, the term “cultivar” is used interchangeably with “variety”, “strain”, and/or “clone”.

Cannabis plants produce a unique family of terpeno-phenolic compounds. Cannabinoids, terpenoids, and other compounds are secreted by glandular trichomes that occur most abundantly on the floral calyxes and bracts of female plants. As a drug it usually comes in the form of dried flower buds (marijuana), resin (hashish), or various extracts collectively known as hashish oil. The cannabis plant has at least 545 distinct compounds that span 20 chemical classes including cannabinoids, terpenes, terpenoids, amino acids, nitrogenous compounds, simple alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, lactones, acids, fatty acids, steroids, non-cannabinoid phenols, pigments, flavonoids, vitamins, proteins, enzymes, glycoproteins, and hydrocarbons. Terpenes and/or cannabinoids, in particular, have shown great potential in terms of medicinal value.

Terpenes and/or cannabinoids have been shown to be largely responsible for beneficial effects of a cannabis plant. In fact, each cannabis plant has the varying concentrations of medically viable compounds depending on different strains (genotypes) and their resulting chemotypes. Even a small variation in terpene and/or cannabinoid concentration can cause noticeable differences in the entourage and/or synergistic effects of a cannabis plant, which distinguishes one variety from another. Research shows that it relies heavily on the physiological effects produced by terpenes and/or cannabinoids.

Over 100 different kinds of terpenes have been identified in cannabis plants although not being as well-studied as cannabinoids, they are instrumental in giving rise to the physiological and psychoactive effects in cannabis.

Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants. They are often strong smelling and thus may have had a protective function. Terpenes are an important component, not only influencing taste and smell of each cannabis strain but also influencing its effects on the mind and body of a subject such as humans and animals. Terpenes are a classification of organic molecules that are found in a wide variety of plants and animals. These molecules are known for their characteristic scents and flavors. The varying terpene concentrations found in cannabis plants directly influence the resulting taste and smell, as well as the observed effects. Non-limiting examples of terpenes include Hemiterpenes, Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, Diterpenes, Sesterterpenes, Triterpenes, Sesquarterpenes, Tetraterpenes, Polyterpenes, and Norisoprenoids. The main terpenes found in cannabis plants include, but are not limited to, myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, terpinene, terpinolene, camphene, terpineol, phellandrene, carene, humulene, pulegone, sabinene, geraniol, linalool, fenchol, borneol, eucalyptol, and nerolidol.

Cannabinoids are the most studied group of the main physiologically active secondary metabolites in cannabis. The classical cannabinoids are concentrated in a viscous resin produced in structures known as glandular trichomes. At least 113 different cannabinoids have been isolated from cannabis plants. The main classes of cannabinoids from cannabis include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). Cannabinoid can be at least one of a group comprising tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabicitran (CBT), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabinerolic acid.

Most cannabinoids exist in two forms, as acids and in neutral (decarboxylated) forms. The acidic form of cannabinoids is designated by an “A” at the end of its acronym (i.e. THCA). The cannabinoids in their acidic forms (those ending in “-A”) can be converted to their non-acidic forms through a process called decarboxylation when the sample is heated. The phytocannabinoids are synthesized in the plant as acidic forms. While some decarboxylation does occur in the plant, it increases significantly post-harvest and the kinetics increase at high temperatures (Flores-Sanchez and Verpoorte, 2008, Plant Cell Physiol. 49(12): 1767-1782). The biologically active forms for human consumption are the neutral forms. Decarboxylation is usually achieved by thorough drying of the plant material followed by heating it, often by combustion, vaporization, heating, or baking in an oven. Unless otherwise noted, references to cannabinoids in a plant include both the acidic and decarboxylated versions (e.g., CBD and CBDA).

The molecules lose mass through the process of decarboxylation. In order to find the total theoretical active cannabinoids, the acid forms should be multiplied by 87.7%. For example, THCA can be converted to active THC using the formula: THCA×0.877=THC. The maximum THC for the sample is: THC_(max)=(THCA×0.877)+THC. This method has been validated according to the principles of the International Conference on Harmonization. Similarly, CBDA can be converted to active CBD and the yield is determined using the yield formula: CBDA×0.877=CBD. Also the maximum amount of CBD yielded, i.e. max CBD for the sample is: CBD_(max)=(CBDA×0.877)+CBD. Additionally, CBGA can be converted to active CBG by multiplying 87.8% to CBGA. Thus, the maximum amount of CBG is: CBG_(max)=(CBGA×0.878)+CBG.

The biologically active chemicals found in plants, phytochemicals, may affect the normal structure or function of the human body and in some cases treat disease. The mechanisms for the medicinal and psychoactive properties of a cannabis plant, like any medicinal herb, produce the pharmacologic effects of its phytochemicals, and the key phytochemicals for a medical cannabis plant are cannabinoids and terpenes.

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for many of the effects such as mild to moderate pain relief, relaxation, insomnia and appetite stimulation. THC has been demonstrated to have anti-depressant effects. The majority of strains range from 12-21% THC with very potent and carefully prepared strains reaching even higher. While Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is also implicated in the treatment of disease, the psychotropic activity of THC makes it undesirable for some patients and/or indications.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, is the primary psychoactive and medicinal cannabinoid and is the result of the decarboxylation of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A), its acidic precursor. THC-A, (6ar,10ar)-1-hydroxy-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6h-benzochromene-2-carboxylic acid, is found in the trichomes of the plant and converted into THC, which actually exists in only minute quantities in the living plant, after harvest and drying.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the principal cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant and is largely considered to be the most medically significant. CBD occurs in many strains, at low levels, <1%. In some cases, CBD can be the dominant cannabinoid, as high as 15% by weight. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that unlike THC, CBD does not cause a noticeable “high”. CBD has shown potential for its medical properties in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases and symptoms, including cancer, nausea, chronic pain, spasms, seizures/epilepsy, anxiety, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcoholism, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. CBD also has been reported to act as a muscle relaxant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and bone stimulant, as well as to improve blood circulation, cause drowsiness, and protect the nervous system. It can provide relief for chronic pain due to muscle spasticity, convulsions and inflammation, as well as effective relief from anxiety-related disorders. It can offer relief for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Fibromyalgia and Epilepsy. CBD has also been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth when injected into breast and brain tumors in combination with THC.

A cannabis cultivar can be used to achieve the desire of patients to be treated with CBD without the adverse side-effects (e.g., psychoactivity) of THC.

Cannabichromene (CBC) is a rare, non-psychoactive cannabinoid, usually found at low levels (<1%) when present. It has been shown to have anti-depressant effects and to improve the pain-relieving effects of THC. Studies have demonstrated that CBC has sedative effects such as promoting relaxation.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabichromene (CBC) are both non-psychoactive and end products of CBG metabolism, like THC, so that they can be used medically.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. CBG-acid is the precursor to both THC-acid and CBD-acid in the plant usually found at low levels (<1%) when present. It has been demonstrated to have both pain relieving and inflammation reducing effects. CBG reduces intraocular pressure, associated with glaucoma. CBG has been shown to have antibiotic properties and to inhibit platelet aggregation, which slows the rate of blood clotting. While Cannabigerol (CBG), is not considered psychoactive, it is known to block the psychoactive effects of THC and is considered medically active in a variety of conditions. Its precursor, cannabigerolic acid, CBG-A, (E)-3-(3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl)-2,4-dihydroxy-6-pentylbenzoic acid, is being studied medically.

Cannabinol (CBN) is an oxidative degradation product of THC. It may result from improper storage or curing and extensive processing, such as when making concentrates. It is usually formed when THC is exposed to UV light and oxygen over time. CBN has some psychoactive properties, less strength than THC. CBN is thought to enhance the dizziness and disorientation that users of cannabis may experience. It may cause feelings of grogginess, and has been shown to reduce heart rate.

High potency cannabis plants contain large quantities of specific terpenes as well as various assortments of other terpenes. For instance, a cannabis plant may have a profile with either a high level of, a moderate amount of or a small amount of various terpenes depending on its cultivar and environmental conditions.

Various cultivars of ‘Cannabis’ species have been cultivated in an effort to create a cultivar best suited to meet the interest of inventors according to their own need. The particular plant disclosed herein was discovered in the area where the inventors were intentionally cross-pollinating and cultivating plants described below using standard Mendelian breeding procedures well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. This resulted in the progenies of the inventors' crosses.

The progenies resulting from any selection stage of either the crossing, selfing or backcrossing versions of the breeding regimes of the present invention were asexually reproduced to fix and maintain the desirable THC content, CBs content, terpenes content, the aroma and flavor(s) typical of the desired class, and the other desirable phenotypic and/or genotypic characteristics. The resultant selected cannabis cultivar is designated as ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ (aka ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH/GREEN PUNCH’) disclosed herein.

The inventors reproduced progenies asexually by stem cutting and cloning. This is the origin of this remarkable new cultivar. The plant has been and continues to be asexually reproduced by stem cutting and cloning at the inventors' greenhouses, nurseries and/or fields in Salinas, Calif., Oakland, Calif., and/or Washington, D.C.

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing chemical characteristics of this new cultivar when grown under normal conditions in Salinas, Calif. Chemical analyses of the new cannabis variety and the check variety (or the parental varieties) disclosed herein were performed using standard chemical separation techniques well known to those skilled in the art. Samples for assaying were obtained from flower tissues of the cannabis plant disclosed herein. Cannabinoid composition of this cultivar can be determined by assaying the concentration of at least one cannabinoid in a subset (e.g., sample) of the harvested product.

Table 1 includes detailed information of the cannabis plant named ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ including the concentration ranges of terpenes and cannabinoids as tested on flowers at least fourteen different times. The cannabis plant has been tested in a laboratory setting and/or facility to determine cannabinoids and terpenes concentrations in the cannabis plant named ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ according to the procedures provided in Giese et al. (Journal of AOAC International (2015) 98(6):1503-1522).

-   -   1) The main terpenes found in ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ are limonene,         myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, alpha-humulene,         alpha-bisabolol, and beta-pinene; and     -   2) The estimated concentration of the total THC_(max),         CBD_(max), and CBG_(max) is about 4.94-8.64%, about         12.04-17.74%, and about 0.59-1.01%, respectively, at the time of         assaying metabolites from flower samples of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’.

Terpene and cannabinoid profiles of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ demonstrate that ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has a phenotypically unique profile, particularly insofar as to the level of terpenes and cannabinoids. This data is presented in a tabular form in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Ranges of Active Cannabinoids and Terpenes Ranges of Active Cannabinoids (% by weight) Max THC 4.94- Max CBD 12.04- Max CBG 0.59- 8.64% 17.74% 1.01% Ranges of Terpenes (% by weight) thujene 0.00% gamma- 0.000% hexyl 0.00- terpinene hexanoate 0.03% alpha-pinene 0.03- linalool oxide 0.00% octyl butyrate 0.00% 0.05% camphene 0.00- terpinolene 0.00- beta- 0.22- 0.02% 0.01% caryophyllene 0.45% sabinene 0.00% fenchone 0.00% alpha- 0.07- humulene 0.17% beta-pinene 0.05- linalool 0.18- cis-nerolidol 0.00% 0.09% 0.44% myrcene 0.13- fenchol 0.02- trans-nerolidol 0.00% 0.49% 0.05% alpha- 0.00% — — caryophyllene 0.00- phellandrene oxide 0.03% carene 0.00% camphor 0.00% alpha- 0.00- bisabolol 0.12% alpha- 0.00% isoborneol 0.00% nerol 0.00% terpinene limonene 0.25- (−)borneol 0.00- geraniol 0.00% 0.67% 0.02% beta- 0.00% menthol 0.00% geranyl- 0.00% phellandrene acetate cineole 0.00% hexyl 0.00% methyl- 0.00% butyrate eugenol cis-ocimene 0.00% alpha- 0.03- Total 1.23 terpineol 0.06% Terpenes 2.17% trans-ocimene 0.00% citronellol 0.00% — —

The cannabis plant named ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has a complement of terpenes, including but not limited to, relatively high levels of limonene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, alpha-humulene, alpha-bisabolol, and beta-pinene compared to other terpene compounds. This unique combination of differently concentrated terpenes further distinguishes ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ from other varieties in its odor, its medical qualities, and its effects on mood and mentation.

Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction, also known as “cloning”, is a process well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of cannabis production and breeding and includes the following steps.

The cannabis cultivar disclosed herein is asexually propagated via taking cuttings of shoots and putting them in rock wool cubes. These cubes are presoaked with pH-adjusted water and kept warm (˜80° F.). Full trays are covered, left under 18 hours of light and allowed to root (7-14 days). Upon root onset, the plantlets are transplanted into rigid 1 gallon containers filled with a proprietary soil mix A and remain in 18 hours of daylight for another 14-21 days. Once root-bound, plants are transplanted into rigid 3 gallon containers filled with proprietary soil mix B. Immediately, the light cycle is altered to 12/12 and flower initiating begins. The plants remain in 12/12 lighting until harvesting. They undergo a propriety nutrient regimen and grow as undisturbed as possible for 60-70 days depending on chemotype analysis.

All sun leaves are removed and the plant is dismantled to result in approximately 12″ branches covered in inflorescences and trichomes. The goal in harvesting is to actually harvest trichome heads but not ‘buds’. Thus, great care is taken not to disturb the trichome heads and as much of the plant remains intact as possible to promote even and slow drying. Slow drying is followed by a one to two months curing process.

Observation of the all female progenies of the original plant has demonstrated that this new and distinct cultivar has fulfilled the objectives and that its distinctive characteristics are firmly fixed and hold true from generation to generation vegetatively propagated from the original plant.

Under careful observation, the unique characteristics of the new cultivar have been uniform, stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color photographs depict characteristics of the new ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plants as nearly true as possible to make color reproductions. The overall appearance of the ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plants in photographs is shown in colors that may differ slightly from the color values described in the detailed botanical description.

FIG. 1 shows an overall view of the ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant from the side.

FIG. 2A shows a close view of a single leaf of the check variety BLK03 plant.

FIG. 2B shows a close view of a single leaf of the new variety ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant.

FIG. 3A shows top parts (including inflorescence) of the BLK03 plant from the side.

FIG. 3B shows top parts (including inflorescence) of the ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant from the side.

FIG. 4 shows a close view of flowers of the ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant at the mid to late flowering stage.

FIG. 5 shows another close view of flowers of the ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant at the mid to late flowering stage.

FIG. 6 shows a reproductive part of a sample cannabis plant, indicating position/location of a flower, a bract and a stipule in the plant. The sample cannabis plant in FIG. 6 is not the claimed ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions, and the phenotype may vary significantly with variations in environment. The following observations, measurements, and comparisons describe this plant as grown at Salinas, Calif., when grown in the greenhouse, nursery or field, unless otherwise noted.

Plants for the botanical measurements in the present application are annual plants. In the following description, the color determination is in accordance with The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, 2007 Edition, except where general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used.

The cannabis plant disclosed herein was derived from female and male parents that are internally designated as below.

The internal GNBR Code of the cannabis plant named ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is 18.C11.25, also known as P08.S1.18.C4.B3.C11.25. The internal GNBR Breeding Code of the cannabis plant named ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is (P08.S1.18)x(C04.B03.C11).25. The additional number ‘0.25’ was only assigned to the 25^(th) individual plant (i.e. ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’) selected from progenies of the cross event between pollen acceptor (P08.S1.18) and pollen donor (C04.B03.C11). ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is a fertile hybrid derived from a controlled-cross between two proprietary cultivars: (i) P08.S1.18 (pollen acceptor; female parent), also known as 18 and (ii) C04.B03.C11 (pollen donor; male parent), also known as C11 and C4.B3.C11. The initial cross between two parental cultivars was made in August 2015. The primary phenotypic criteria used to select the new and distinct cannabis cultivar disclosed herein is as follows: structure score, nose/organoleptic testing, mold susceptibility/resistance, and insect susceptibility/resistance. Also, the chemotypic characteristics described in Table 1 were used to select the new and distinct cannabis cultivar disclosed herein. The first asexual propagation of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ occurred on Feb. 25, 2016 in Salinas, Calif.

The following traits in combination further distinguish the cannabis cultivar ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ from the check variety ‘BLK03’, which is set as a standard for phenotypic comparison. Tables 2 to 6 present phenotypic traits and/or characteristics of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ compared to the check variety ‘BLK03’ as follows. Unless otherwise indicated, all plants were raised together and evaluated when 100 days old (i.e., 23 days in vegetative stage, 25 days in propagation stage, and 52 days in flowering times).

TABLE 2 General Characteristics Characteristics New Variety Check Variety (BLK03) Plant life An herbaceous An herbaceous forms plant (herb) plant (herb) Plant growth An upright, tap-rooted An upright, tap-rooted habit annual plant; forming annual plant; forming fibrous roots when fibrous roots when asexually propagated asexually propagated Plant origin A controlled-cross between A controlled-cross between pollen acceptor (P08.S1.18) pollen acceptor and pollen donor (GLD13) and (C04.B03.C11) pollen donor (BSIA) Plant Asexually propagated by Asexually propagated by propagation stem cuttings and cloning stem cuttings and cloning Propagation Moderate Moderate ease Height 1.52-2.64 m 0.50-2.50 m Width 107.0 cm 119.5 cm Plant vigor High Medium Time to 6-8 weeks; as early 8 weeks Harvest as 45-49 days (Seed to Harvest) Resistance to Resistant to pests as Not Resistant to pests as pests or follows; (1) Two-spotted follows; (1) Two spotted diseases spider mite (Tetranychus spider mite urticae (Koch)); (Tetranychus urticae (2) Aphids species such (Koch)); (2) Aphids as: Cannabis species such as: Cannabis Aphids (Phorodon Aphids (Phorodon cannabis), Green Peach cannabis), Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae Aphid (Myzus (Sulzer)), Foxglove Aphid persicae (Sulzer)), (Aulacorthum solani), Foxglove Aphid (Aulacor- Peach Aphid thum solani), Peach Aphid (Macrosiphum (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), Black Bean euphorbiae), Black Aphid (Aphis fabae); Bean Aphid (Aphis (3) Whitefly (Trialeurodes fabae); (3) Whitefly (Tri- vaporariorum; (4) Lepi- aleurodes vaporariorum); doptera species such as: (4) Lepidoptera species Armyworm (Spodoptera such as: Armyworm frupperda), Cabbage (Spodoptera frupperda), Whites (Pieris rapae), Cabbage Whites (Pieris Painted Lady (Vanessa rapae), Painted cardui), Lepidoptera sp. Lady (Vanessa Resistant to diseases cardui), Lepidoptera sp. as follows; Botrytis/ Not resistant to diseases Flower Rot as follows; Botrytis/ (Botrytis cinerea) Flower Rot and Powdery Mildew (Botrytis cinerea) and (Podosphaera xanthii) Powdery Mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) Genetically- NO NO modified organism

TABLE 3 Leaf/Foliage Characteristics New Variety Check Variety (BLK03) Leaf Alternate Alternate arrangement Leaf shape Palmately compound Palmately compound Leaf structure Linear-lanceolate Linear-lanceolate leaflet blades leaflet blades with glandular hairs with glandular hairs Leaf margins Dentate, coarsely Dentate, coarsely serrated, serrated, and the teeth and the teeth point point away from the tip away from the tip Leaf hairs Present on both upper Present on both upper and lower surfaces and lower surfaces Leaf length with 21.65 cm 16.60 cm petiole at maturity Leaf width at 8.1-16.2 cm 10.7 cm maturity Petiole length at 8.25 cm 6.50 cm maturity Petiole color 149A 140C (RHS No.) Intensity of Weak Medium (vegetative petiole stage); very strong anthocyanin (late flowering stage) Stipule length at 0.72 cm 0.70 cm maturity Stipule shape Acicular, needle-shaped Elliptical Stipule color 134A 149B (RHS No.) No. of leaflets 5-8 5-7 Middle largest 13.75 cm 9.80 cm (longest) leaflet length Middle largest 2.75 cm 2.3 cm (longest) leaflet width Middle largest 13.75:2.75 9.8:2.3 (longest) leaflet length/width ratio No. teeth of 36 25 middle leaflet (average) Leaf (upper 136A 132A side) color (RHS No.) Leaf (lower 140C 134D side) color (RHS No.) Leaf glossiness Strong at the upper Strong at the upper leaf surface leaf surface Vein/midrib Obliquely continuous Obliquely continuous shape throughout leaflet throughout leaflet Vein/midrib 151B 144C color (RHS No.) Aroma Earth tones with hints Spicy of floral sweetness

TABLE 4 Stem Characteristics New Variety Check Variety (BLK03) Stem shape Ribbed, woody, and strong; Hollow, ribbed, textured main stem as undefined hexagonal in shape Stem diameter 2.20 cm 2.80 cm at base Stem color 139D N144D (RHS No.) Depth of main Deep Absent stem ribs/grooves Internode length 9.8-18.4 cm 2.4-4.9 cm

TABLE 5 Inflorescence (Female/Pistillate Flowers) Characteristics New Variety Check Variety (BLK03) Flowering Cymes Cymes (blooming) habit Proportion of 100% pistillate 100% pistillate female plants Inflorescence Even Even position Flower Cymose (Inflorescences are Overlapping-Touching arrangement very compact, and there- fore bracts overlap within each cluster off lowers. Thus, the flowers are over- lapping within each node) Number of 20-60 flowers per cyme; 80-120 flowers per cyme flowers per Many cymes are present plant per plant Flower shape Calcarate-urceolate Calcarate-urceolate Flower 0.52 cm 0.70 cm (individual pistillate) length Flower 6.21 cm 3.80 cm (compound cyme) diameter Corolla shape No defined corolla No defined corolla Corolla Color N/A N/A (RHS No.) Bract shape Urceolate Urceolate Bract size 0.6-1.6 cm (high 0.2-0.8 cm density of trichomes) Bract color 140C N134C (RHS No.) Calyx shape No defined calyx No defined calyx Calyx color n/a n/a (RHS No.) Stigma shape Lanceolate Acute Stigma length 5.50 mm 2.20 mm Stigma color 25C 159D (RHS No.) Trichome Capitate-stalked glandular Capitate-stalked shape glandular Trichome 157A at day 50 in flowering 157A at day 40 in color (before harvest) flowering (RHS No.) Other types of Capitate sessile trichomes Capitate sessile trichomes trichomes are present on the upper are present on the leaves of and lower surfaces on plants, as well as being leaves of plants, noticed in the flowers as well as being (color: 157A at day 40 noticed in the flowers in flowering). During later (color: 157A at day flowering, i.e. 50 in flowering). day 48 to day 60 in During later flowering, flowering, capitate stalked i.e. day 60 trichomes are present to day 70 in flowering, (color: N30B). Bulbous and the capitate stalked non-glandular trichomes are trichomes are present also present and most notice- (color: N30B). able on the petioles, stems, and leaves (color: 157A). Terminal bud Oblong Oblong shape Terminal bud 134C 203C color (RHS No.) Pedicel Absent Absent Staminate No staminate flowers No staminate flowers shape produced naturally; produced naturally; however, male flower however, male flower (staminate) can be induced (staminate) can be induced with chemical compounds with chemical compounds (such as silver nitrate (such as silver nitrate and silver thiosulphate and silverthiosulphate anionic complex). anionic complex). Pollen Absent Absent description Seed shape Striped, smooth and ovate Smooth and globular Seed size 2.50-3.25 mm 1.80-2.30 mm (Diameter) Marbling of Weak to absent Absent (non-existent) seed Petal Apetalous Apetalous description Max THC About 4.94-8.64% About 18.88-19.37% content Max CBD About 12.04-17.74% 0.00% content Max CBG About 0.59-1.01% About 0.84-0.91% content n/a: Not available

TABLE 6 Other Characteristics Characteristics New Variety Check Variety (BLK03) Time period and 6-8 weeks 7-9 weeks condition of flowering/ blooming Hardiness of Hardy to 25° F.- Hardy to 25° F.- plant ambient temperature ambient temperature Breaking action Flexible, resistant Strong, non-flexible to breakage Rooting rate 99%-vigorous 70%-moderate after cutting/cloning Types of Stem Stem Cutting for Cloning Shipping quality Good Moderate Storage life Medium (3-6 months Medium (2-6 months with minor changes with minor changes in physical appearance in physical appearance and/or smell/taste) and/or smell/taste) Market use Medicinal n/a Productivity of n/a Approximately 0.14-0.45 flower kg can be produced per plant; dependent on finished size (0.6-1.2 m); Growing conditions/ environment will dictate final yield/output n/a: Not available

In general, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is larger in width and height than both parents, pollen acceptor (P08.S1.18) and pollen donor (C04.B03.C11). ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is more robust in terms of growing performance, time to rooted clones, and time to flower maturity. As ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has greater resistance to pests and diseases (specifically to powdery mildew and bud rot, i.e. Botrytis cinerea), it yields higher than both parents. Since ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has stronger/larger branches and thicker stems with greater flexibility than both parents, its main and lateral branches gives ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ ability to produce higher yields under different growing conditions. The flowers of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ are larger in width and length than both parents. ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ clearly demonstrates hybrid vigor, and outperforms both parents overall. Chemically, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has a higher cannabinoid content with a low THC:CBD ratio as well as a higher terpene content than either parent. Also, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has unique combination of parental terpenes.

When ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is compared to the check variety ‘BLK03’, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is taller in plant height but narrower in width than ‘BLK03’. ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has higher plant vigor, but shows relatively shorter time to harvest than ‘BLK03’. ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has longer leaves than ‘BLK03’ in terms of whole leaf length including petiole. Also, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has longer and wider leaflets than ‘BLK03’ when comparing the middle largest leaflet. ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has a longer petiole in average than ‘BLK03’ at maturity, while it has about the same stipule size to ‘BLK03’. Regarding the average stem diameter at base, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is shorter than ‘BLK03’, while the internode length of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is longer than that of ‘BLK03’. When comparing the compound cyme diameter, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is longer than ‘BLK03’, while individual pistillate flowers of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ are shorter than that of ‘BLK03’ in length. ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has a longer bract than ‘BLK03’, while having a little shorter stigma. With respect to aroma, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ have a smell of earth tones with hints of floral sweetness, while ‘BLK03’ has a generally spicy smell.

When ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is compared to the known cannabis plant named ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 27,475), there are several distinctive characteristics. For example, the overall form of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant is taller in height and wider across at the widest point than ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’ plant. ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant has a longer middle leaflet at maturity than ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’ plant, while ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant has a shorter petiole than ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’ plant. ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ plant and the ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’ plant have about the same size of middle largest leaflet width. Regarding stem diameter at base, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ pant is similar to ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’ plant. When comparing individual pistillate flower length, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ flowers are longer than ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’ flowers. While the aroma of ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’ is strongly mephitic with hints of limonene, ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ has a smell of earth tones with hints of floral sweetness. When comparing total THC content between ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ and ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’, the total THC content of ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ is about 4.94-8.64%, while ‘ECUADORIAN SATIVA’ accumulates 12.45% total THC. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Cannabis plant named ‘RASPBERRY PUNCH’ substantially as shown and described herein. 